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RESEARCH ON NEW SOUTH WALES

MOUNTED POLICE





















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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Acknowledgement
II. Preface
III. Contents of the Research
IV. Conclusion
V. Recommendation
VI. Bibliography
VII. About the Researcher
























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ACKNOWLEDGMENT


It goes without saying that everything I do, I do for my family. To Allan, Tiffany and
Harvey, you are my world. To my mother, father, sisters and brothers, I would not be
here doing what I do and being who I am if not for you.

In the service of the Filipino people, I remain.
















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PREFACE

In terms of police work, the Philippines have been lagging behind other countries. Piles
of unresolved crimes, diminishing public trust, increasing crimes, corruption and red tape
within the force are just some of the issues the force has to resolve.

Needless to say, the Philippine National Police faces a lot of problems, and maybe it is
time to look at other countries police force and how they manage to be on top of
everything and somehow pick up something from them, learn some lessons and see if we
can apply these in our case.

This research gives focus on mounted police units who ride horses how they started,
how they are trained, how they choose horses and what specifically their duties are. It is
somehow my objective if this kind of units can be applied in the Philippines, given the
problems we are facing and the availability of budget and skilled units.












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CONTENTS OF THE RESEARCH


Mounted police are police who patrol on horseback (equestrians) or camelback. They continue to serve
in remote areas and in metropolitan areas where their day-to-day function may be picturesque or
ceremonial, but they are also employed in crowd control because of their mobile mass and height
advantage and increasingly in the UK for crime prevention and high visibility policing roles. The added
height and visibility that the horses give their riders allow officers to observe a wider area, but it also
allows people in the wider area to see the officers, which helps deter crime and helps people find
officers when they need them. Mounted police may be employed for specialized duties ranging from
patrol of parks and wilderness areas, where police cars would be impractical or noisy, to riot duty, where
the horse serves to intimidate those whom it is desired to disperse through its larger size, or may be sent
in to detain trouble makers or offenders from the crowd. For example, in the UK, mounted police are
most often seen at football matches, although they are also a common sight on the streets of many towns
and cities as a visible police presence and crime deterrent during the day and night. Some mounted
police units are trained in search and rescue due to the horse's ability to travel where vehicles cannot.

Tack used by mounted police is similar to standard riding tack, with adaptations for police use.
Synthetic saddles are often favored over those made of natural leather to reduce weight, important both
because of long riding hours and because police officers must carry numerous articles of personal
equipment. High-traction horseshoes made of specialty metals or fitted with rubber soles are typically
used in urban areas in place of standard steel horseshoes, which are prone to slip on pavement. Rubber
soled shoes also produce less noise than steel shoes and jar the hoof less. Horses working in riot control
wear facial armor, made of perspex so that the animals can still see. The officers themselves are often
equipped with especially long wooden or polycarbonatebatons for use on horseback, as standard patrol
batons would have insufficient length to strike individuals at ground level.

NOTABLE UNITS

New South Wales Mounted Police
The New South Wales Mounted Police is a mounted section of the New South Wales Police Force, and
the oldest continuous mounted group in the world. Currently they have strength of 36 officers and
around 38 mounts and their duties include traffic and crowd management, patrols, and ceremonial
protocol duties.




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Royal Canadian Mounted Police
A well-known mounted police force is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), although horses
are no longer in use operationally. However, horses are still used in the Musical Ride as well as by
several provincial and municipal police detachments.

Royal Oman Police
The Royal Oman Police have both horse and camel mounted troopers.

US Border Patrol
The United States Border Patrol had 200 horses in 2005. Most of these are employed along the U.S.-
Mexico border. In Arizona, these animals are fed special processed feed pellets so that their wastes do
not spread non-native plants in the national parks and wildlife areas they patrol.

United States cities
Many cities in the United States have mounted units, with New York having one of the largest with 79
officers and 60 horses,
[1]
but numerous mounted units in cities around the United States were disbanded
or downsized in the 2010s.
[5]
For example, units in Philadelphia, Boston and San Diego were disbanded
by 2011, while New York Citys mounted unit was reduced considerably over the last decade with 79
police officers and 60 horses in 2011 down from the 130 officers and 125 horses it had before the
downsizing. The Houston, Texas Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit has become increasingly
well-known due to the decision to, over time, remove the shoes of all its mounted horses and embrace
the concept of naturalizing their horses' diet and care in addition to riding them barefoot.


















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NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTED POLICE

The New South Wales Mounted Police Unit is a mounted section of the New South Wales Police
Force. Founded by Governor Thomas Brisbane, on 7 September 1825, the Mounted Police were
recruited from a British military regiment stationed in NSW at the time, to protect travellers, suppress
convict escapees and fight Indigenous Australians. The NSW Mounted Police Unit is the oldest
continuous mounted group in the world.

History

For over a century they were a key part of policing, as horses were the main form of transport. The unit
was formed three years before the London Mounted Police and 38 years prior to the 1873 formation of
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The New South Wales Mounted Police Unit is the oldest continuous operational Mounted unit in the
world. It was formed by Governor Brisbane on the 7th September, 1825. In comparison the London
Metropolitan Mounted Police were formed in 1828 and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1863.
By 1830 the force was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Snodgrass. The more settled part of the
colony was divided into divisions. The main detachment was stationed in Sydney; this incorporated the
Governor's Guard. The city division was located at Belmore Barracks, which is the present site of
Central Railway Station. There were three country divisions: they were the Western, at Bathurst; Argyle
at Goulburn; and Hunter in Maitland.
In the early 1900's the Mounted Police had a strength of over 800 personnel and over 900 horses. Most
stations throughout the state had mounted units attached to them. It was during this time that the
Mounted Police moved from Belmore Barracks to allow for the construction of Central Railway Station.
Temporary accommodation was secured at Moore Park Showground, prior to occupying its present site
in 1907, at the Bourke Street Police complex at Redfern.
The current police stable site was renovated in 1996 and the addition of a covered mnage and an
electronic walker were installed, making daily exercising of the horses a little easier and up to date with
today's society. The Mounted Police Museum was also introduced to provide the visual display of the
proud history of the unit.
The Mounted Unit was originally used for Traffic Duty and Public Relations Duties (Ceremonies, Tent
Pegging and Vaulting). The Mounted Police have participated in the Royal Easter Show since 1895
performing the musical ride and governor escort only missing when there were no shows from 1942 to
1946 due to the war.

The transformation of the Mounted Unit is reflected by the changing nature of today's society. The
majority of mounted police duties consists of operational support in public order, crowd management,
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and mounted patrols throughout the Sydney CBD, suburbs and country areas. The remainder of duties is
dedicated to ceremonial, protocol and public relations type duties as well as training and exercising of
the horses.
Currently the NSW Mounted Police have an allocated strength of 36 officers and approximately 38
horses. The unit currently comprises 75% females including the first female Commander for the unit.
The unit also employs nine full time grooms that assist with the daily running and maintenance of the
stable complex at Redfern.


HORSES OF THE MOUNTED UNITS

Historically the Mounted Police Commander prefers to select geldings, bay, brown, or black in colour.
The type of horse donated or purchased must stand 16 hands or above and preferably be free of
blemishes, and be between three and eight years of age. Currently the Mounted Unit will select almost
any breed of horse, predominately geldings, with some mares; providing they are suitable in the vetting;
temperament; trainability and stable environment.
The horses chosen to trial as Mounted Police mounts include a variety of breeds including a number of
heavier horses such as warm bloods, draft horses and Clydesdale crosses. Historically horses were
donated to the section, of which a number included ex-race horses with some notable big money winners
including Arwon, Favoloso, and Patezza; all have given an excellent account of themselves whilst
carrying out Mounted Police duties.
The training of horses is conducted by the Mounted Police and may take a new mount up to two years
before they have completed all facets of duties. The horses are spelled throughout the year to allow them
time to relax and enjoy life outside their working duties. Police horses are allocated troop horse names
upon transfer to the section, with some very apt historical names being chosen such as Souvla Bay,
Anzac and RAS.

TRAINING AND SELECTION

After completing police training at the Police College at Goulburn, trainees are sworn in as Probationary
Constables. They are then assigned to a Local Area Command for three years before being eligible to
transfer to the Mounted Police Unit. This allows a solid base of policing skills to be gained before
diversifying into any specialist area.
All applicants wishing to gain entry to the Mounted Police must pass medical; physical and written
examinations. When Constables transfer to the Mounted Section they are instructed in the care and
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attention of horses and saddlery, riding skills, equitation and lance drill. All Constables receive Mounted
Drill instruction which forms the basis of the musical ride conducted at the Royal Easter Show and other
centres. During their training constables also receive instruction on general duties patrolling on horses
including arrest procedures; issuing of traffic infringement notices and random breath testing.

Operational Duties (General Patrolling)

The Mounted Police is a NSW Police state resource. Over 80% of the Mounted Unit's core business is
general duty high visibility patrols in and around the CBD and metropolitan Local Area Commands.
Horses will be transported by float to the suburban patrols, whilst most city patrols are in close walking
proximity. We have two 6 horse trucks and 3 floats so we can transport horses to wherever the demand
is needed, that being a protest or musical ride at the Easter Show. That is 19 horses at any one time.
Mounted Police perform the exact duties of general duties policing, with the only difference being our
mode of transport. Mounted Police conduct patrols in "pairs" and are highly effective due to the mobility
and elevation of the officers on horse back. The visibility of officers on horse back is increased by their
height therefore making them extremely effective in search situations and in crowd situations with large
numbers of people such as New Years Eve celebrations in the city. The effectiveness of a mounted unit
can be compared to the utilisation of ten officers' on foot during crowd management situations due to the
height and weight advantage of the horses.
This unit was used extensively over the duration of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and are regular
fixtures at breakaways from major sporting events such as AFL; Cricket and Football games.
Public Order Management (Crowd Control)
The Mounted Police is a highly effective Public Order Management tool for the Police, and works
closely with the Riot police (Operational Support Group (OSG)), foot police and Public Order Riot
Squad (PORS) to maintain a high level of effectiveness when dealing with large numbers of people and
situations such as riots, protests and large public events that require a high visibility police presence. The
Police horses are only used as a last resort and extensive training is conducted year round between the
Mounted and riot (OSG/PORS) police. Mounted Police assist by escorting arrest teams through hostile
crowds; escorting ambulances and police vehicles through numerous crowds and in relieving pressure
and gaining ground for the riot police (PORS/OSG).
Special Operations
The Mounted Police also respond to other area such as;
Community events such as local festivals, parades and celebrations throughout the state.
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Searches - mainly in country areas or outer suburban areas, in national parks, for lost persons,
escapees, drug plantations etc.
Stock mustering - Mounted Police can assist stock squad police, RSPCA, officers, and local
government impounding officers in mustering stolen or emaciated stock, and are equipped to assist
Local Police in recapturing runaway horses in the city and inner suburban areas.
Protocol and Public Relations Duties
Parades and Escorts
The Mounted Police perform Protocol Engagements consisting of leading processions or parades (i.e.
Anzac Day march, Ticker Tape processions), State or Police funerals. Mounted escorts are provided for
members of the Royal Family, The Governor General, The State Governor, and various other VIP's on
such occasions as the opening of Parliament and major agricultural shows. The lances carried by
Mounted Police, whilst on parade were presented to the Mounted Unit in 1957 by General Carriapa,
High Commissioner for India.
Musical Ride
The Mounted Police perform the musical ride at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and larger country
shows. The musical ride consists of a series of precision drill movements performed in time to the music
of the NSW Police Band over an area measuring 100 metres by 50 metres and is of approximately 20
minutes duration. This exhibition has received acclaim from many oversees visitors and is considered to
by one of the most spectacular rides in the world. The ride was performed during the Edinburgh Military
Tattoo held in Sydney in February 2005 and again in February 2010.
Fatigue Duties
All constables are responsible for the care and maintenance of their own saddlery and the grooming of
their individual horses. In addition to this, they also maintain the cleanliness of the stables. One day a
week is devoted to training of horses and personnel with instruction given in troop drill, crowd control,
escort duty and various equestrian skills as well as police procedures. Police at this section have very
diverse skills and training. Not only are they competent in police work, but also having to attain a high
level of horse riding ability. This is coupled with other duties such as veterinary, farrier skills; and truck
and float driving for transportation of horses.







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CONCLUSION
Mounted Units are commonly utilized for their effectiveness and efficiency in crowd control. The efficacy of a
mounted officer in a crowd control situation is staggering. Most estimates show that a horse and rider can do the
job of 10-20 officers on foot, oftentimes with greater success and less injury to the officer or the perpetrator.
Additionally, the unit also participates in speed and traffic enforcement, parking enforcement, search and rescue
operations; block club get-togethers, parades, festivals, and other special events around the city.

Given the nature of patrol on horseback, it is advisable that mounted officers respond to street level criminal
concerns. Many of these concerns can be characterized as "quality-of-life" crimes. These crimes and types of
behavior reflect negatively on a neighborhood. They increase the perception that a neighborhood is unsafe.
Criminals are emboldened and good citizens are discouraged. Some types of behavior that would be considered as
quality-of-life concerns consist of urination in public, vagrancy, disorderly conduct, noise complaints, traffic
offenses, littering, vandalism, drug dealing, prostitution, public intoxication, theft, loitering, and trespassing.

By utilizing state-of-the-art crime mapping software, we can pin-point grids (small geographical areas within the
city) that are suffering from high rates of such activity. While officers on patrol in squad cars have a wide range of
mobility and are expected to answer calls-for-service, mounted officers can stay in a small geographic area and
are not usually subject to dispatched calls. This means that if a certain grid is identified as experiencing a high
number of quality-of-life street level crimes, mounted officers can set up shop in the neighborhood for hours,
days, or even longer. The effect can be dramatic. Contemplate the advantages to the senses of the mounted
officer: He can hear more of the sounds in the neighborhood than an officer in a squad car with the window rolled
up. He can see more from his vantage point on top of his mount. He can smell more effectively, whether it be the
odor of burnt marijuana or the odor of a possible house fire. He can speak more with members of the community,
as staying in the area and moving about on horseback gives a degree of accessibility to the citizen. He can also
move with greater ease in and out of streets, alleys, parks, and yards.

Often times the mere presence of mounted officers in these types of neighborhoods has a deterrent effect on
crime. Mounted officers project professionalism due to their uniform and mount, not to mention their skill on
horseback. Being especially visible, it does not take long for word to get out to the criminals that they are not
welcome. They are no longer free to act with impunity. Citizens can see that their police do care about their
neighborhood, and are enheartened to see that their officers are on their side. Enforcement, whether in the mode
of presence, advisement, citations, or arrests make the neighborhood a safer place to live. The goal is to not only
give a small reprieve to a neighborhood, but also to assist in setting it on a path of greater security and providing a
framework for its flourishing.

It goes without saying that interaction with children may be one of the most important things a mounted officer
can engage in. Children and citizens who may not normally interact with police will do so with a police officer on
a horse. We go to great lengths to establish positive community relations with our youngest of citizens, especially
those who are disadvantaged or immigrants from areas of the world where police are viewed in a much different
light. Answering questions, smiling, laughing, and making ourselves available for photos...these are all ways of
creating a bond with the people we serve. While our uniforms and mode of transport may hearken back to bygone
halcyon days of police history, it is evident that the existence of this unit in its current form leads to greater
realization that, in the words of Sir Robert Peel, "...the police are the public and the public are the police."


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RECOMMENDATION

With the amount of vehicle traffic the Philippines has, especially in populated areas such as the cities, it
might be useful to employ mounted units. Certainly, we possess skills to train horses and officers for
such police work. It may also be of use to increase peoples trust in police especially if mounted units
can help in suspect assault instead of foot chase.
However, it is striking how the Philippines have a large amount of money allotted for its national
defense and yet we dont see much improvement on our police force. This might contribute to the fact
that there is too much red tape within the system.
Yes, it might be beneficial for the force to have mounted units, especially in the provinces where terrain
is not vehicle-friendly. But in order to arrive to this proposal and give solution to other problems too, the
force needs to have sufficient budget first.











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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mounted Police. Retrieved 15 May. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mounted_police>

St. Paul Mounted Police. Retrieved 15 May. 2014.
<http://www.stpaulmountedpolice.org/policing.htm>

New South Wales Mounted Police. Retrieved 15 May. 2014.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_Mounted_Police>

Official Site of New South Wales Mounted Police. Retrieved 15 May. 2014.
<http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/structure/operations_command/major_events_and_inciden
ts_group/mounted_unit>











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ABOUT THE RESEARCHER

Before anything else, I am a mother of two undoubtedly adorable children, a wife, a
sister, a daughter.
Woman. In few words server of the people.